Patterns of living in community and ways of life in environment: systems of the global ecovillage network

Abstract

The Global Ecovillage Network (GEN) draws upon an array of purposive design principles, practices and processes to inform sustainable ways of living. In this thesis, I examine systems perspectives in ecological anthropology and draw upon interdisciplinary insights in cultural theory, systems ecology and environmental sociology to inform human-ecological systems thinking. I investigate how systems thinking manifests in GEN literature, in a comparative context to some of the movement’s educational practices. I consider how purposive design counters prevailing systems perspectives in ecological anthropology, and explore what types of structures, typologies and characteristics it presents. I consider GENs central tenant of Whole Systems Design, and what I describe as ‘human ecology by design’. I argue that GEN embodies environmental actor and sustainability educator, seeking to build capacity for systems resilience and transformation. I suggest that a ‘collective’ unit of analysis requires further investigation s an analytical framework for systems perspective in ecological anthropology. It remains to be seen whether the Global Ecovillage Network is effective in building capacity for systems change, or whether their systems focus is at best strategic. Keywords: global ecovillage network, purposive systems, whole systems design, adaptive strategy, human-ecological relations.